Inaugural Tri-territorial Health and Social Professionals Conference launches in Whitehorse

April 15, 2025

The inaugural Tri-territorial Health and Social Professionals Conference kicked off yesterday at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, bringing together more than 350 health and social care professionals, Indigenous leaders, students, regulators and government officials from the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut to share insights and strengthen care across the North.

As an initiative under the Yukon’s Health Human Resources Strategy, the conference was designed by northern professionals for northern professionals incorporating unique perspectives and Indigenous Knowledge.

Held from April 14 to 17, 2025, the conference offers an unprecedented opportunity for participants across the North to collaborate on health system transformation, share promising practices and explore innovative strategies to improve care for northern communities. The conference program was informed by both local and national data gathered from health and social care professionals.

Over the next four days, delegates will participate in a series of keynote presentations, panel discussions, interactive workshops and cultural learning opportunities. The agenda features sessions on workforce mental wellness, culturally safe care, mental health and substance use, Indigenous-led models of care and integrated primary care.

Members of the media are invited to participate in two opportunities as part of this event.

Expert interviews

Media are invited to connect with two expert speakers attending the Tri-Territorial Health and Social Professionals Conference. Both are available for interviews (in-studio or on-site) from April 15 and 17.

• Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley is a clinical psychologist and researcher specializing in building resilience and using evidence-based science to prevent burnout in the health workforce. She uses data and science to educate providers on how to empower clients with chronic conditions in their journey and behaviour changes.
• Dr. Jaris Swidrovich is the first Indigenous PhD Pharmacist in North America and will be presenting on strategies to decolonize and Indigenize culturally safe substance use care, education and research.

To arrange interviews, please contact Ayodeji Awobamise at ayodeji.awobamise@yukon.ca or 867-332-8342.

Interactive virtual reality (VR) demonstration

The conference will include breakout tours of local health programs and facilities, as well as a VR clinical simulation demonstration featuring the cutting-edge VR simulation used in University of New Brunswick’s “Learn Where You Live” program. This program is a unique initiative that enables Yukon-based Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to earn a Bachelor of Nursing degree through virtual learning while continuing to work in their communities.

The first cohort of 17 Yukon licensed practical nurses began the program in September 2024, with a second cohort of up to 20 LPNs set to begin in fall 2025.

Media are invited to experience the VR technology firsthand and speak with nursing faculty from the University of New Brunswick currently visiting the Yukon.

When: Thursday, April 17, 2025, 3:30 – 4:30 pm

Where: Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre Classroom, 1171 Front Street, Whitehorse, YT

The demonstration will highlight how immersive technology is supporting the “Learn Where You Live” Bachelor of Nursing program.

This conference is an opportunity to learn from each other, strengthen our partnerships and build practical solutions to the real challenges facing our northern health systems. From culturally safe care to team-based models, the conversations we begin here will shape the next steps we take together. Wishing everyone a meaningful few days of collaboration, connection and learning.

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee

Quick facts

• The Tri-territorial Health and Social Professionals Conference runs from April 14 to 17, 2025, in Whitehorse.
• More than 350 participants from the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are attending.
• Key themes include culturally safe care, mental wellness of the workforce, Indigenous-led approaches to healing, chronic disease management and interprofessional collaboration.
• The program includes breakout sessions, workshops, tours of health and cultural facilities and a virtual reality demonstration tied to the LPN-to-BN program developed by the University of New Brunswick.
• Physicians are eligible to receive up to 16.5 Continuing Medical Education credits for participating in the conference.
• The event is co-organized by territorial health authorities with strong involvement from Indigenous health leaders and partners.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Ayodeji Awobamise
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-334-8342
ayodeji.awobamise@yukon.ca

NT5